Let's start at the beginning...
The first weekend in December Janie Ann and I attended the 2nd Annual Cookie Swap at Rosalyn's house in B'ham. Where was Seth? Him and my dad were in ATL at the SEC Championship game! Janie Ann and I had a great time with everyone in B'ham and arrived home in time to watch the game and go to Toomers with Aunt Lisa, Uncle Robert and Maggie! Fun was had all around!!
The second weekend in December was Seth's 27th birthday and we also had Christmas with his sisters/brother-in-laws and parents. Because there are 6 kids we have started (last year) eating together and opening presents before the big family gathering because, #1- Seth and I purchase matching PJ's for them to wear Christmas Eve and then #2- because on Christmas Eve with the entire family they already get so much without our gifts it would take forever and presents would be lost!! So, Friday night we did that and then Saturday was Seth's birthday and we went to Provino's to eanjoy his free meal!! Sunday night was RCBC's annual Christmas Caroling and chili dinner. We stayed back and prepared the meal while others went out to spread Christmas joy!
Then the third weekend arrived...we all headed to B'ham on Saturday (us- after a visit to see Dr. BB) to go to the McWane Center to have cookies with Santa and watch the Polar Express on the IMax! Cookies with Santa went well...but that was about all! :( The Polar Express movie did not work properly and according to the VP of the McWane Center- they couldn't just stop the movie and try again- they had to play the entire thing and try again...so we went through the Center and enjoyed some trains and a winter wonderland (that was SUPER HOT- not wintry at all!), we got to get our picture Santa (Janie Ann HATED him)- David has them on his camera and I'm hoping to get a copy soon! Then we all headed back to the theatre for round 2- another fail! We got free tickets to return to any movie and the older cousins went back the following Tuesday to watch it and they said it was WONDERFUL! So, after we left the McWane center- I headed to Prattville to stay with the Shedd's so that I could take the GRE on Sunday morning. (I passed and I'm now a graduate student at Auburn University!)
Then Monday rolled around- and so did the stomach bug! I had a very mild case considering what most of our family encountered! But Monday Seth and Paden headed to B'ham to pick mom up from the airport and I was feeling better by Tuesday. On Tuesday we went to see Harrison and Clark in their Christmas program and then Seth got the dreaded stomach virus...along with David! By Wednesday everyone was well and we prepared for the Holiday craziness to begin!!
Christmas Eve started off with the annual Christmas Eve breakfast at The McCreight's house! Then to Memaw's to bake cookies for Santa! I think more cookie dough was eaten than baked, but the babies had a great time!! Then, Seth, Janie Ann and I went home (with mom) and took a nap to prepare for that night at The Clark's! Janie Ann got so much stuff and Santa even left Seth and I a gift (Auburn fleece blanket, which is WONDERFUL! And a cute Auburn "I love the Tigers" ornament!). Then we headed home and prepared for Santa to make his arrival! It didn't take long for Janie Ann long to go to sleep, even though she didn't understand the whole, "Santa Claus is coming- I need to go to sleep". But we all went to bed and Santa did indeed arrive! It was so much fun watching her face on Christmas morning walk into the living room full of gifts. I really can't wait until next year when she understands the concept of "Ho-Ho" coming!! After we finished seeing everything Santa brought Janie Ann we loaded up the car and headed to the Hunter household for Brunch. Then, we had a full day of Christmas gatherings! Mamaw Parker's at lunch and Papaw Goss' at dinner!! By time we got home everyone was exhausted and we were excited to have the 26th to stay at home and enjoy the toys!
Then yesterday, Monday the 27th, Paden, Janie Ann and I took mom back to B'ham to the airport! It was sad, but not too sad because Seth and I will see her again in approx. 2 weeks! Why you ask? She is meeting us in VEGAS- a pit stop on our way to Glenndale, AZ!! Yep, that's right- we will be going to the National Championship game!!!! I'm so excited! Seth and I will be married for 5 years in June and this is our Christmas/Anniversary gift to each other! We will be going with the Whiteard's- probably won't post again until we return from that trip!! (I will post more pictures, soon).
